Thieves target unlocked homes, cars

HUNTINGTON BEACH – Police are asking residents to lock their doors after a string of early morning burglaries.

Thieves have targeted more than 20 homes and vehicles since Jan. 23, Huntington Beach police reported. Each incident took place between 1 and 4 a.m., and the suspects appeared to enter homes through unlocked side or back doors. In each car theft, the vehicle was unlocked and parked on the street, a driveway or an unlocked garage.

The items taken varied, but thieves often focused on electronics and cash, police said. The incidents took place in the John R. Peterson Elementary School tract, between Beach Boulevard, Indianapolis Avenue, Newland Street and Atlanta Avenue, as well as the Burke School tract, between Bushard Street, Indianapolis Avenue, Brookhurst Street and Atlanta Avenue.

To report suspicious activity, call Huntington Beach police at 714-960-8825. Officers are also looking for overnight suspicious activity captured on home surveillance systems.

Footage or eye witness accounts of potentially criminal activity in the targeted tracts may be reported to detectives at 714-536-5949 or 714-563-5653.